The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The HiPo Shop Shock mounts

I have a 38 GMC 1/2 ton that I am changing axles on and want to replace the kneeshock with regular shocks. My problem is I don't know how or where to put the upper shock mounts on my GMC. I know how to fabricate but I am at a total lose for where to start.

Any and all help appreciated

Locate the upper brackets so the shocks are at about 45 degrees from vertical. If that's too far away, a bit closer to vertical would work. You'll need to see what shock length is available as well.
If you're planning on doing smokey burnouts, you could locate one shock to the front and one to the rear which would help dampen axle wrap, with each shock providing additional resistance in one direction.

Thank you, no smoke burn out for me anymore

Maybe this will help. . Also, go to Lmc truck and look at their schematics for other years.This is the schematic. The one thing to remember the front on the picture is to your left. And as pictured that is the right frame rail.

TheShoer: I have replaced lever shocks with tube shocks on my '47 1/2 ton. I used the Monroe pdf chart to get their part number, which, of course can be cross-referenced to any shock manufacturer at your local FLAPS. The chart has mounting styles, compression, extension and travel distances. Monroe Shock part list. When you click on the link, scroll down a bit to 'Mounting & Length Chart (pdf)'.

This charts shows the effects of angle mounting shocks. The farther off vertical, the less effect they have. Heavy duty shocks can be leaned over, softer shocks should be more vertical. It's how the manufacturers fine tune the ride.

If I don't say anything, am I still wrong?

The point we are trying to make is, angles matters, no matter if the math is correct or not. It doesn't surprise me that the chart is wrong, but the idea is still right.

I changed the angle of my shocks from vertical 90*, to about 80*, it made a noticeable difference on the ride. If a fellow had unlimited funds, which I don't, adjustable shocks would be the way to go, you could really dial in the ride quality.

This will help a lot, I just assumed the shocks need it be in a certain position. That chart basically told me.i cen put the mounts anywhere

The Shoer, On my 54 they moved the top mount to around 80 degrees and it was ok for a number of years but now that they have weakened I am going to move them back to the original position. The people that did the major part of the work installed them that way, why I don't know.